Sun Burn or Burn out!

We’re nearing towards the end of the summer but holidays haven’t been at the top of our agenda all year according to new research commissioned by healthcare provider, Bupa.  A staggering 42% of us are not taking a holiday of more than a week this year even though more than half of Brits are more stressed out than a year ago.

Money and work worries mean many people are giving up their time away this year, and they could suffer from increased levels of stress as a result.

Bupa’s clinical director of occupational health, Dr Jenny Leeser, says not taking the time to switch off could be having a detrimental impact on our health:

“While people may be aware that taking time out from their day-to-day responsibilities is important in maintaining physical and mental health unfortunately, money and work worries mean many people are not prioritising the need to relax. If financial restraints mean that a week long holiday is unlikely this year, it is still important that employees feel encouraged to take time off from work to rest, even if they stay at home. When taking a break, employees should be encouraged to switch off from the workplace to ensure that they return refreshed and better equipped to deal with everyday pressures.”

It’s worrying trend as we’re applying more pressure on ourselves within the economic climate and tightening our purse strings, with 1 in 5 Brits feeling guilty about spending their money on holidays.

Not only is it important  for our stress levels to take substantial breaks, but the research also suggests that those people that are taking the time out to get away this year, 22% of them feel more motivated to exercise more after their holiday and 25% of people feel motivated to eat more healthily.

SUN BURN OR BURN OUT?

• 42 percent not taking a “substantial holiday”* of a week or more at all in 2011
• More than half of Brits more stressed now than a year ago (52%)
• Almost one in five Brits feel guilty about spending money on a holiday this year (18%)

With this Sunday 31st July forecast to be the busiest day of the year at UK airports, British holidaymakers could be forgiven for thinking that waiting in the queue at check-in will be the most stressful thing they do this summer. But it’s not taking a holiday at all which could be leading Brits’ stress levels to boiling point.

Money and work worries mean many people are giving up their time away this year, and they could suffer from increased levels of stress as a result. New research from YouGov for international healthcare company Bupa, shows that 42 percent of Brits are not planning a getaway of a week or more this year.

The research revealed that 34 percent of holidaymakers felt better able to cope with stressful situations after taking a break. With more than half (52%) of Brits saying that they have been more stressed over the last 12 months than in the previous year, choosing not to go on holiday is a worrying trend. The research also revealed that 47 percent of people see a noticeable improvement in their mental wellbeing after taking a break and 25 percent say they feel motivated to eat more healthily. In addition, those taking a substantial* holiday this year are also more likely to report themselves as generally ‘very healthy’ or ‘fairly healthy’ (82%), than those who are staying at home (72%).

It seems that money worries and anxieties about work are holding people back from booking a break. Of those not taking a holiday this year, more than half (56%) say it’s because they can’t afford it. What’s more, almost one in seven people who will not take a whole week off work in 2011, worry their job could be at risk if they ask for time off in the current financial climate.

Even people who are taking a substantial* holiday are not feeling good about it, with nearly one in five (18%) feeling guilty about spending their pennies on time away this year. When they do go away, those who are taking a substanial* holiday are unlikely to relax fully as 32 percent stay connected by checking their personal emails and social networks while on holiday and 16 percent say they will not switch off while on holiday and will continue to think about work.

Bupa’s clinical director of occupational health, Dr Jenny Leeser, says not taking the time to switch off could be having a detrimental impact on our health:

“While people may be aware that taking time out from their day-to-day responsibilities is important in maintaining physical and mental health unfortunately, money and work worries mean many people are not prioritising the need to relax. If financial restraints mean that a week long holiday is unlikely this year, it is still important that employees feel encouraged to take time off from work to rest, even if they stay at home. When taking a break, employees should be encouraged to switch off from the workplace to ensure that they return refreshed and better equipped to deal with everyday pressures.”

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